Police have named the person of interest in the mass shooting, which took place in a Brooklyn subway car during the early-morning rush on Tuesday.
The person of interest has been identified as 63-year-old Frank James.
“We are endeavoring to locate him to determine his connection to the subway shooting, if any,” Chief Essig said.
The suspect wore a gas mask and construction vest as he launched a smoke canister into the subway car. He then opened fire on the subway riders on the N train at the 36th street and 4th avenue stop in Sunset Park.
The shooter used a 9mm semiautomatic Glock and fired 33 rounds at commuters. Ten victims were shot. No fatalities were reported, but at least 29 people were injured in the scramble to flee the scene.
Investigators searched the subway car and found two non-detonated smoke grenades, a hatchet, gasoline, fireworks and a key to a U-Haul van.
After examining James’ social media pages, he spoke about a variety of issues from Black rights and slavery and, more recently, the confirmation of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court.
In the wake of the shooting, Mayor Eric Adams says New York City will now double the number of NYPD officers on the subway system.
“We have to match their concerns with the safety that they deserve and the safety that they need,” said Adams on WPIX-11. “Today, one step that we’re taking is we’re going to double the number of the amount of uniformed officers there. We’re going to hold what’s considered the day tour to meet and complement the evening tour. You’re going to see double the amount of police officers.”
